Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

You're required to follow an approved scheme of research and coursework and to submit a thesis based on this work. This may include original research, a critical review of existing knowledge or a combination of both.

Doctoral studies (PhD & DBA)

Full-time study for a doctoral degree normally lasts not less than three years. A part-time option is available. The minimum period of part-time study is set according to how much time you're able to devote to study.

You'll complete a programme of coursework and submit a thesis with the results of your research. It must make a "distinct contribution to knowledge". There's also a viva oral examination.

In both programmes, you're expected to focus on academic learning and developing practical skills. In the PhD the emphasis is on the academic learning and in the DBA on practical skills.

If you wish to pursue a PhD, you must register for an MPhil in the first instance. You can transfer to the PhD after a year, subject to satisfactory progress.

Research areas

We have a flourishing community of around 40 research students in the department. Our students come from many different countries and work on a variety of topics. All full-time research students (and some part-time students):

have full access to computing facilities, email and internet

undertake a research methodology course during their 1st year

The department organises an annual residential workshop for research students and supervisors. It's held over two full days, involving discussion of individual projects and general issues such as research strategy, time management and writing-up.

There are regular departmental research seminars, with staff and research students both attending and contributing. Other events, academic and social, are often organised by the students themselves.﻿

Strathclyde Business School

We offer an excellent academic environment where you can pursue your research degree.

You're required to:

Attend the Strathclyde Business School Faculty Research Methodology Programme. Though most achieve higher, you need to gain a Certificate level. It's four modules over two to three days each. If you're part time, you'll spread these over two years.

Attend our Annual Away Day for PhD students. This is combined with the Annual Review, held usually in October/ November.

Ensure regular meetings and contact with your supervisors.

Full-time students

You'll have access to computing, printing, email and office facilities. You're expected to be in the Department of Management Science on a regular basis. You'll also attend the department's research seminar series as well as other occasional workshops.

Part-time students

You'll have hot desking facilities giving you regular access to the department. This'll help you integrate better with other students and staff. You're required to attend the department for at least ten days per year. This is on top of the Research Methodology Programme.

Potential applicants should note that there is no dedicated distance-learning programme.

Scotland/ EU

Rest of UK

International students

Funding

If you wish to apply for University scholarships please note that competitions for PhD funding for starting in October run through the first half of the year, from January to June. You should indicate on your application whether you wish to apply for funding.

Our research students are funded in many ways. Part-time students are normally in employment, and some receive financial support from their employers. Full-time students from overseas have received a variety of scholarships from their own governments or institutions such as the British Council.

The department of management science has also been successful in finding funding from industrial sponsors or partners, and research councils﻿ for specific projects. We've full recognition from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) for research students. Many research students also supplement their income by undertaking work within the department e.g. assisting with the marking of undergraduate work.

The fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year.

How can I apply?

You can apply for a postgraduate research degree at any point in the year.

By filling these details out as fully as possible, you'll avoid any delay to your application being processed by the University. Incomplete applications will be returned to applicants.

Supervisors

If you're interested in studying for a research degree we recommend that you identify members of staff with relevant expertise before applying.

You should write to the individual member of staff to chat about the potential for supervision, explaining how your proposed research topic relates to their research interests.

To get a sense of staff members' research interests, you could take a look at our staff profile pages. Reading the research papers listed on their profile pages is a good way to get a better understanding of their interests.

If your chosen supervisor is available to work with you, an offer of study will be sent to you through Pegasus, our online application system.

If your research proposal is not compatible with the researcher's current projects and they cannot supervise then it's passed along to another for consideration.

As soon as a second supervisor is confirmed, an offer will be sent to you through Pegasus.

If you accept our offer of study, you'll then be sent a full offer in writing via the email address you provide.

Accepting an offer

Once you've accepted our offer, we'll need you to fulfil any academic, administrative or financial conditions that we ask.

UK or EU students

If you're applying as a UK or EU student, you'll then be issued with your registration documentation.

You can apply for a postgraduate research degree at any point in the year.